Devices and/or systems for automatically imaging barcodes

ABSTRACT

Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise a barcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a barcode. The barcode reader can comprise a camera. The camera can define a camera axis. The barcode reader can comprise a lighting module that comprises set of lighting elements that emit light. The barcode reader can be adapted to automatically obtain and/or decode a sequential set of images.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and incorporates by referenceherein in its entirety, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 60/845,703 (Attorney Docket No. 2006P20055US), filed 19 Sep. 2006.

BACKGROUND

Data Matrix barcode can be directly marked on parts by altering thesurface appearance using dot peen, laser etch, and other means. DataMatrix direct part marks can be used in many applications for qualitycontrol and/or productivity improvement. To decipher the informationfrom the Data Matrix code, an imaging device with special lighting canbe used to produce a suitable image of the barcode that can be processedby an information device.

SUMMARY

Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprisea barcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a barcode. The barcodereader can comprise a camera. The camera can define a camera axis. Thebarcode reader can comprise a lighting module that comprises set oflighting elements that emit light. The barcode reader can be adapted toautomatically obtain and/or decode a sequential set of images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will bemore readily understood through the following detailed description ofcertain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanyingexemplary drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 3000; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 4000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise abarcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a barcode. The barcodereader can comprise a camera. The camera can define a camera axis. Thebarcode reader can comprise a lighting module that comprises set oflighting elements that emit light. The barcode reader can be adapted toautomatically obtain and/or decode a sequential set of images.

Depending on a marking material and a method used for Data MatrixMarking (DPM), different types of lighting can be used by a barcodereader in order to attempt to decode direct part marks. For example,on-axis bright field lighting and/or off-axis dark field lighting can beused to illuminate direct part marks. To create a dark field image, alighting device can be placed near a surface comprising the mark at arelatively low angle to the surface. The mark can be in a recessed areathat might be relatively difficult to illuminate.

In addition to on-axis lighting (direct and/or diffused) for DPMbarcodes, in certain exemplary embodiments, a small direct off-axislighting module comprising a plurality light emitting diodes (LEDs) canbe placed away from the on-axis lighting source at an angle to an axisof the camera. When the barcode reader is placed such that the on-axislighting is nearly perpendicular to the mark surface to create a brightfield image, the off-axis lighting module can create a different imagethat can be a dark field image. By varying the reading angle formed bythe camera axis and the mark surface, the on-axis light can generate afirst image that can be either a bright field or a dark field image.Substantially simultaneously and/or sequentially, at a substantiallysimilar reading position, the off-axis lighting module can generate asecond image that can be the dark field image by illuminating the markfrom a lower angle. Analyzing two different images of the same barcodecan increase the possibility of decoding the barcode and can improve theperformance of the barcode reader. Certain exemplary embodiments can usered LED lighting for the on-axis lighting module and green or white LEDlighting for the off-axis lighting module.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 1000,which can comprise a barcode reader 1100, which can be a handheldbarcode reader. Barcode reader 1100 can comprise a handle 1200, a camera1400, trigger 1300, on-axis lighting module 1500, directional off-axislighting module 1700. In certain exemplary embodiments, camera 1400 cancomprise a central processing unit (CPU) and/or a memory. On-axislighting module 1500 can be fixed to a frontal portion of camera 1400.Off-axis lighting module 1700 can be attached to a body of camera 1400and/or handle 1200. For example, off-axis lighting module 1700 can beattached as a part of a body of camera 1400. In certain exemplaryembodiments, a distance and/or angle between off-axis lighting module1700 and camera 1400 can be adjustable. When barcode reader 1100 is heldsuch that the camera direction is perpendicular to a mark surface 1920of an object 1900 that can comprise a mark 1950, on-axis lighting module1500 can create bright field lighting 1600, and off-axis lighting module1700 can create dark field lighting 1800. When barcode reader 1100 isheld such that the camera direction is at an angle significantlydifferent than 90 degrees relative to mark surface 1920, both on-axislighting module 1500 and off-axis lighting module 1700 can create darkfield images. Mark 1950 can be a two dimensional direct part markingbarcode.

In certain exemplary embodiments, barcode reader 1100 can becommunicatively coupled, such as via a wireless transceiver 1010, to aninformation device 1040 via a network 1020. Wireless transceiver 1010can be adapted to transmit a signal comprising information regarding theimage to information device 1040. Information device 1040 can comprise auser interface 1060, a user program 1080, and a memory device 1090. Userinterface 1060 can be adapted to render information regardingillumination and/or images of mark 1950. User program 1080 can beadapted to monitor and/or control activities related to obtaining adecodable image of mark 1950. Memory device 1090 can be adapted to storeimage information regarding mark 1950 and/or activities associated withobtaining a decodable image of mark 1950. In certain exemplaryembodiments, information device 1040 can be entirely and/or partiallycomprised by camera 1400. Information device 1040 can be adapted toreceive information regarding the image from barcode reader 1100 vianetwork 1020. Information device 1040 can be adapted to attempt todecode the image information. In certain exemplary embodiments,information device 1040 can receive a plurality of images from barcodereader 1100 and can analyze each of the plurality of images to determinean order in which to attempt to decode each of the plurality of images.Information device 1040 can comprise a processor adapted to decode theimage of mark 1950.

In certain exemplary embodiments, object 1900 can be placed upon asurface such as surface 1940. Surface 1940 can be a movable surface suchas a surface associated with a conveyor and/or a part mover of anassembly line. Information device 1040 can be communicatively coupled toa controller/actuator 1960 of surface 1940 via network 1020. Informationdevice 1040 can be adapted to control a process to obtain a decodableimage of mark 1950. For example, information device 1040 can control: aposition and/or angle of camera 1400 relative to mark 1950; actuation ofone or more subset of lights of on-axis lighting module 1500 and/oroff-axis lighting module 1700; and/or a position of mark surface 1920relative to camera 1400 via movement of surface 1940 (such as viasending a signal to controller/actuator 1960 requesting that surface1940 be translated and/or rotated, possibly in a predetermined linear,curvilinear, and/or angular direction and/or distance).

In certain exemplary embodiments, handheld barcode reader 1100 can be apistol grip barcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a twodimensional direct part marking barcode, such as mark 1950. In certainexemplary embodiments, on-axis lighting module 1500 can comprise firstset of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a first emitted color.On-axis lighting module 1500 can be adapted to direct light on anon-axis lighting direction that is approximately collinear with a cameraaxis. Off-axis lighting module 1700 can be substantially mirror-less,filter-less, and/or lens-less. Off-axis lighting module 1700 cancomprise a second set of LEDs having a second emitted color. Off-axislighting module 1700 can be adapted to direct light in an off-axislighting direction that intersects the camera axis at an adjustableangle. The adjustable angle can be less than approximately fifty fivedegrees. The barcode reader can be adapted to obtain a decodable imageat a distance between approximately one inch and approximately fourinches from the two dimensional direct part marking barcode. Barcodereader 1100 can be adapted to receive off-axis lighting module 1700 atany of a plurality of locations on barcode reader 1100.

In certain exemplary embodiments, barcode reader 1100 can be adapted toautomatically and/or sequentially obtain a first image, a second image,and a third image of the two dimensional direct part marking barcode.The first image can be obtained with only the on-axis lighting moduleilluminated. The second image can be obtained with only the off-axislighting module illuminated. The third image can be obtained with boththe on-axis lighting module and the off-axis lighting module illuminatedsimultaneously. Barcode reader 1100 and/or information device 1040 canbe adapted to determine, based upon a comparison of the first image, thesecond image, and/or the third image, which of the first image, thesecond image, and the third image is decoded first in an attempt todetermine a decodable image of the two dimensional direct part markingbarcode.

In certain exemplary embodiments, off-axis lighting module 1700 cancomprise a first subset of LEDs and a second subset of LEDs. The firstsubset of LEDs can be directed at a different angle relative to thecamera axis from the second subset of LEDs. A light controller 1120comprised by barcode reader 1100 can be adapted to manually and/orautomatically obtain a first off-axis image of mark 1950 with mark 1950illuminated by only the first subset of LEDs. Light controller 1120 canbe adapted to manually and/or automatically obtain a second off-axisimage of mark 1950 with mark 1950 illuminated by only the second subsetof LEDs. Off-axis lighting module 1700 can comprise a plurality ofsubsets of LEDs. Each subset of the plurality of subsets of LEDs can beadapted to direct light energy that intersects the camera axis at adistinct angle relative to the camera axis. Each distinct angle can beless than approximately fifty five degrees from the camera axis. Lightcontroller 1120 can be adapted to manually and/or automatically obtain aset of off-axis images of mark 1950. Each image of the set of off-axisimages can be obtained with mark 1950 illuminated by only one subset ofLEDs of the plurality of subsets of LEDs.

Reading DPM barcodes using a barcode reader with only an on-axislighting module installed at the front of the camera can involve anglingof the camera to create a contrast of barcode features. The addition ofan off-axis lighting module can help create a different image that mayhave better contrast than that from the on-axis module. The off-axislighting module can be attached and/or molded to be part of the camerabody sitting on top of the camera or below it. The aiming angle of theoff-axis lighting module may be adjustable. The off-axis lighting modulecan be operatively attached to the barcode reader via a flexible andadjustable mounting such that the user can place the off-axis lightingmodule on either side of the camera body or can mount the off-axislighting module further away from the camera body to increase a darkfield effect.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system 2000,which can comprise a barcode reader 2100. Barcode reader 2100 cancomprise a camera 2200 a pistol grip handle 2300, a trigger 2400, and anoff-axis lighting module 2450. In certain exemplary embodiments,off-axis lighting module 2450 can comprise a plurality of subsets oflighting elements, such as LEDs. For example, off-axis lighting module2450 can comprise a first subset of lighting elements that can emitlight energy substantially via first trajectory 2600 and a second subsetof lighting elements that can emit light energy substantially via asecond trajectory 2650. Via off-axis lighting module 2450 a Data MatrixMark 2700 can be illuminated. Barcode reader 2100 can be placed at adistance 2750 from Data Matrix Mark 2700. In certain exemplaryembodiments, distance 2750 can be, in inches, approximately 0.21, 0.4,0.5, 0.81, 1, 1.22, 1.4, 1.99, 2, 2.07, 2.58, 3, 3.45, 3.80, 4, 4.08,4.52, 5.11, 5.4, 5.99, 6.5, 7.8, 8, and/or any value or subrangetherebetween.

First trajectory 2600 and/or second trajectory 2650 can be definedrelative to a camera axis 2500 of barcode reader 2100. Each of firstmeasuring axis 2520 and second memory axis 2540 can be substantiallyparallel to camera axis 2500 such that angles measured therefrom withrespect to first trajectory 2600 and second trajectory 2650 can besubstantially similar to angles measured based upon camera axis 2500.For example, first trajectory 2600 can define a first angle 2800 withrespect to first measuring axis 2520. Second trajectory 2600 can definea second angle 2900 with respect to second measuring axis 2540. Incertain exemplary embodiments, first angle 2800 and/or second angle 2900can be, in degrees, 1, 3.8, 5.22, 9, 12.98, 15, 18.8, 25.74, 30, 33,38.11, 40.87, 45, 49, 51.7, 55, 58.4, 59.9, 60, 63.59, 65, and/or anyvalue or subrange therebetween. While two subsets of lights andassociated angles are described in system 2000, any count of subsets oflights and angles can be used in accordance with exemplary embodimentsof this disclosure. Thus, off-axis lighting module 2450 can comprise aplurality of subsets of LEDs. Each subset of the plurality of subsets ofLEDs can be adapted to direct light energy that intersects camera axis2500 at a distinct angle relative to camera axis 2500. Each distinctangle can be less than approximately fifty five degrees.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 3000. Anyactivity of method 3000 can be performed automatically and can beimplemented via machine instruction stored on a machine-readable medium.At activity 3100, a user can hold a trigger down or otherwise manuallyand/or automatically actuate a barcode reader. In certain exemplaryembodiments, when a trigger is depressed and not released, the barcodereader can flash one or more lighting modules.

At activity 3200, an on-axis lighting module can be actuated to obtainand/or capture a first image for decoding. The first image can be of atwo dimensional direct part marking. The first image can be obtained viaa barcode pistol grip barcode reader that comprises a camera. The cameracan define a camera axis. The barcode reader can comprise the on-axislighting module that comprises first set of light emitting diodes (LEDs)having a first emitted color. The on-axis lighting module can be adaptedto direct light on an on-axis lighting direction that is approximatelycollinear with the camera axis. In certain exemplary embodiments, thefirst image can be wirelessly transmitted to an information device thatis adapted to attempt to decode the first image using well-knowntechniques. In certain exemplary embodiments, a CPU of the barcodereader can attempt to decode the first image using well-knowntechniques.

At activity 3300, if the first image can be successfully decoded, thenthe barcode reader and/or the information device can be adapted tocontinue method 3000 at activity 3900.

At activity 3400, the barcode reader can actuate the off-axis lightingmodule to capture a second image for decoding. The barcode reader cancomprise the off-axis lighting module that is substantially mirror-less,filter-less, and/or lens-less. A distance between the off-axis lightingmodule and the camera can be adjustable. The off-axis lighting modulecan comprise a second set of LEDs having a second emitted color. Theoff-axis lighting module can be adapted to direct light in an off-axislighting direction that intersects the camera axis at an adjustableangle. The adjustable angle can be less than approximately fifty fivedegrees. The barcode reader adapted to obtain a decodable image at adistance between approximately one inch and approximately four inchesfrom the two dimensional direct part marking barcode. The second imagecan be wirelessly transmitted to the information device and/or processedby a CPU comprised by the barcode reader. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the off-axis lighting module can comprise a plurality ofsubsets of LEDs. Each subset of the plurality of subsets of LEDs can beadapted to direct light energy that intersects the camera axis at adistinct angle relative to the camera axis. Each distinct angle can beless than approximately fifty five degrees. A light controller comprisedby the barcode reader can be adapted to obtain a set of sequentialimages of the direct part marking barcode. Each image of the set ofsequential images obtained with the direct part marking barcode can beilluminated by only one subset of LEDs of the plurality of subsets ofLEDs. In certain exemplary embodiments, the second image can bewirelessly transmitted to an information device that is adapted toattempt to decode the image using well-known techniques. In certainexemplary embodiments, a CPU of the barcode reader can attempt to decodethe second image using well-known techniques.

At activity 3500, if the second image can be successfully decoded, thenthe barcode reader and/or the information device can be adapted tocontinue method 3000 at activity 3900.

At activity 3600, the barcode reader can actuate the off-axis lightingmodule and the on-axis lighting module substantially simultaneously andcan capture a third image for decoding. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the third image can be wirelessly transmitted to aninformation device that is adapted to attempt to decode the image usingwell-known techniques. In certain exemplary embodiments, a CPU of thebarcode reader can attempt to decode the third image using well-knowntechniques.

At activity 3700, if the third image can be successfully decoded, thenthe barcode reader and/or the information device can be adapted tocontinue method 3000 at activity 3900.

At activity 3800, the user and/or an information device can cause theposition, angle, and/or direction of the camera, the lighting, and/or aposition and/or location of barcode to vary. The activities of method3000 can continue via at least one of activity 3100, activity 3400, oractivity 3600 by flashing the on-axis and off-axis lighting sequentiallyand/or simultaneously and obtain additional images. For easy to read DPMbarcodes, the user can configure the barcode reader to flash only onetype of the two lighting modules which is more appropriate for aparticular DPM barcode. For difficult to read marks (e.g., marks oncurved surfaces), certain exemplary embodiments can provide the userwith an option to enable simultaneous flashing of both lighting modulessubstantially simultaneously to create more uniform lighting over alarger area. The on-axis lighting module can be directed in a directionthat is substantially non-perpendicular to a surface comprising the twodimensional direct part marking barcode. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the first image can be wirelessly transmitted to aninformation device that is adapted to attempt to decode the image usingwell-known techniques. In certain exemplary embodiments, a CPU of thebarcode reader can attempt to decode the third image using well-knowntechniques

At activity 3900, the barcode reader and/or the information device canbe adapted to report the decoded data. Once the decoded data is reportedmethod 3000 can be ended.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an informationdevice 4000, which in certain operative embodiments can comprise, forexample, information device 1040 of FIG. 1. Information device 4000 cancomprise any of numerous components, such as for example, one or morenetwork interfaces 4100, one or more processors 4200, one or morememories 4300 containing instructions 4400, one or more input/output(I/O) devices 4500, and/or one or more user interfaces 4600 coupled toI/O device 4500, etc.

In certain exemplary embodiments, via one or more user interfaces 4600,such as a graphical user interface, a user can view a rendering ofinformation related to researching, designing, modeling, creating,developing, building, manufacturing, operating, maintaining, storing,marketing, selling, delivering, selecting, specifying, requesting,ordering, receiving, returning, rating, and/or recommending any of theproducts, services, methods, and/or information described herein.

DEFINITIONS

When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanyingdefinitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented withoutprejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefinethese terms during the prosecution of this application or anyapplication claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose ofinterpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, eachdefinition (or redefined term if an original definition was amendedduring the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear andunambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

-   -   a—at least one.    -   activate—to actuate and/or set in motion and/or action.    -   activity—an action, act, deed, function, step, and/or process        and/or a portion thereof.    -   adapted to—suitable, fit, and/or capable of performing a        specified function.    -   adjacent—in close proximity to, near, next to, and/or adjoining.    -   adjustable—configured to change, match, and/or fit.    -   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.    -   angle—an amount of rotation that separates two intersecting        lines and/or rays.    -   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.    -   approximately—about and/or nearly the same as.    -   associated with—related to.    -   at least—not less than.    -   attach—to fasten, secure, couple, and/or join.    -   attempt—to try to achieve.    -   automatically—acting and/or operating in a manner essentially        independent of external human influence and/or control. For        example, an automatic light switch can turn on upon “seeing” a        person in its view, without the person manually operating the        light switch.    -   axis—a straight line about which a body or geometric object        rotates or can be conceived to rotate and/or a center line to        which parts of a structure or body can be referred.    -   barcode—information expressible as a series of symbols, such as        clusters of dots, parallel bars of varying widths, etc., that        can be read by an optical scanner and interpreted as numerical        and/or alphabetical characters.    -   barcode reader—a device and/or system adapted to scan and/or        decode a barcode.    -   based upon—determined in consideration of and/or derived from.    -   between—in a separating interval and/or intermediate to.    -   body—a main and/or central part.    -   both—two things together.    -   camera—a device often comprising a lightproof enclosure having        an aperture with a lens through which a still and/or moving        image of an object is focused and recorded on a photosensitive        film, plate, tape, and/or or sensor coupled to an electronic        and/or optical memory device (e.g., RAM, EEPROM, flash memory,        magnetic disk, optical disk, etc.).    -   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.    -   capable—a potential for use.    -   cause—to bring about, provoke, precipitate, produce, elicit, be        the reason for, result in, and/or effect.    -   collinear—occurring along a common line.    -   color—a visually perceivable characteristic of light energy that        is related to a wavelength and/or wavelength range of that light        energy.    -   compare—to examine in order to note similarities and/or        differences in relation to something else.    -   component—a constituent element and/or part.    -   comprised by—included by.    -   comprise—to include but not be limited to.    -   decodable—capable of being decoded.    -   decode—to convert data by reversing the effect of previous        encoding, and/or to interpret a code.    -   define—to establish the meaning, relationship, outline, form,        and/or structure of; and/or to precisely and/or distinctly        describe and/or specify.    -   degree—a unit of measurement of a plane angle that represents        1/360 of a full rotation.    -   design—(n) a purposeful arrangement of parts and/or details. For        example, the design of a product and/or process can comprise        designing predetermined aspects of the product and/or        process. (v) to plan, such as in a manner that comprises the        development of a graphic representation.    -   determine—to obtain, calculate, decide, deduce, establish,        and/or ascertain.    -   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.    -   different—changed, distinct, and/or separate.    -   direct—to point, aim, and/or send toward a place or object.    -   direction—a spatial relation between something and a course        along which it points and/or moves; a distance independent        relationship between two points in space that specifies the        position of either with respect to the other; and/or a        relationship by which the alignment and/or orientation of any        position with respect to any other position is established.    -   direct part marking (DPM)—a technology whereby an item is        physically altered by methods such as dot peening, laser        etching, molding, and/or embossing to provide a decodable symbol        onto a surface of the item.    -   distance—a measure of physical and/or logical separation.    -   distinct—discrete and/or readily distinguishable from all        others.    -   either—one or the other of two.    -   emit—to give off, send forth, and/or discharge.    -   filter-less—an optical system lacking a device adapted to reject        light of certain frequencies while allowing other frequencies to        pass.    -   first—an initial entity in an ordering.    -   for—with a purpose of.    -   from—used to indicate a source.    -   further—in addition.    -   green—a color of light having a wavelength range of        approximately 520-570 nanometers.    -   haptic—involving the human sense of kinesthetic movement and/or        the human sense of touch. Among the many potential haptic        experiences are numerous sensations, body-positional differences        in sensations, and time-based changes in sensations that are        perceived at least partially in non-visual, non-audible, and        non-olfactory manners, including the experiences of tactile        touch (being touched), active touch, grasping, pressure,        friction, traction, slip, stretch, force, torque, impact,        puncture, vibration, motion, acceleration, jerk, pulse,        orientation, limb position, gravity, texture, gap, recess,        viscosity, pain, itch, moisture, temperature, thermal        conductivity, and thermal capacity.    -   have—to be identified by.    -   illuminate—to supply with light.    -   image—an at least two-dimensional representation of an entity        and/or phenomenon.    -   information—facts, terms, concepts, phrases, expressions,        commands, numbers, characters, and/or symbols, etc., that are        related to a subject. Sometimes used synonymously with data, and        sometimes used to describe organized, transformed, and/or        processed data. It is generally possible to automate certain        activities involving the management, organization, storage,        transformation, communication, and/or presentation of        information.    -   information device—any device on which resides a finite state        machine capable of implementing at least a portion of a method,        structure, and/or or graphical user interface described herein.        An information device can comprise well-known communicatively        coupled components, such as one or more network interfaces, one        or more processors, one or more memories containing        instructions, one or more input/output (I/O) devices, and/or one        or more user interfaces (e.g., coupled to an I/O device) via        which information can be rendered to implement one or more        functions described herein. For example, an information device        can be any general purpose and/or special purpose computer, such        as a personal computer, video game system (e.g., PlayStation,        Nintendo Gameboy, X-Box, etc.), workstation, server,        minicomputer, mainframe, supercomputer, computer terminal,        laptop, wearable computer, and/or Personal Digital Assistant        (PDA), iPod, mobile terminal, Bluetooth device, communicator,        “smart” phone (such as a Treo-like device), messaging service        (e.g., Blackberry) receiver, pager, facsimile, cellular        telephone, a traditional telephone, telephonic device, a        programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and/or peripheral        integrated circuit elements, a digital signal processor, an ASIC        or other integrated circuit, a hardware electronic logic circuit        such as a discrete element circuit, and/or a programmable logic        device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, or PAL, or the like, etc.    -   input/output (I/O) device—any sensory-oriented input and/or        output device, such as an audio, visual, haptic, olfactory,        and/or taste-oriented device, including, for example, a monitor,        display, projector, overhead display, keyboard, keypad, mouse,        trackball, joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel,        pointing device, microphone, speaker, video camera, camera,        scanner, printer, haptic device, vibrator, tactile simulator,        and/or tactile pad, potentially including a port to which an I/O        device can be attached or connected.    -   inch—a unit of length equal to approximately 25.4 millimeters.    -   intersect—to meet at a point.    -   lens—a piece of transparent substance, usually glass, having two        opposite surfaces either both curved or one curved and one        plane, used in an optical device for changing the convergence        and/or focal point of light rays.    -   lens-less—substantially lacking a lens.    -   less than—having a measurably smaller magnitude and/or degree as        compared to something else.    -   light—electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength.    -   light controller—a controller that is adapted to cause an        illumination of one or more light sources.    -   light emitting diode (LED)—a semiconductor device that emits        (typically visible) light responsive to an applied electrical        conducting current.    -   machine instructions—directions adapted to cause a machine, such        as an information device, to perform one or more particular        activities, operations, and/or functions. The directions, which        can sometimes form an entity called a “processor”, “kernel”,        “operating system”, “program”, “application”, “utility”,        “subroutine”, “script”, “macro”, “file”, “project”, “module”,        “library”, “class”, and/or “object”, etc., can be embodied as        machine code, source code, object code, compiled code, assembled        code, interpretable code, and/or executable code, etc., in        hardware, firmware, and/or software.    -   machine-readable—capable of being discerned by an information        device.    -   machine-readable medium—a physical structure from which a        machine, such as an information device, computer,        microprocessor, and/or controller, etc., can obtain and/or store        data, information, and/or instructions. Examples include        memories, punch cards, and/or optically-readable forms, etc.    -   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some        embodiments.    -   memory device—an apparatus capable of storing analog or digital        information, such as instructions and/or data. Examples include        a non-volatile memory, volatile memory, Random Access Memory,        RAM, Read Only Memory, ROM, flash memory, magnetic media, a hard        disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical media, an        optical disk, a compact disk, a CD, a digital versatile disk, a        DVD, and/or a raid array, etc. The memory device can be coupled        to a processor and/or can store instructions adapted to be        executed by processor, such as according to an embodiment        disclosed herein.    -   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related        activities for accomplishing something.    -   mirror-less—substantially lacking an optically reflective        surface.    -   mold—to and/r form a component.    -   network—a communicatively coupled plurality of nodes,        communication devices, and/or information devices. Via a        network, such devices can be linked, such as via various        wireline and/or wireless media, such as cables, telephone lines,        power lines, optical fibers, radio waves, and/or light beams,        etc., to share resources (such as printers and/or memory        devices), exchange files, and/or allow electronic communications        therebetween. A network can be and/or can utilize any of a wide        variety of sub-networks and/or protocols, such as a circuit        switched, public-switched, packet switched, connection-less,        wireless, virtual, radio, data, telephone, twisted pair, POTS,        non-POTS, DSL, cellular, telecommunications, video distribution,        cable, terrestrial, microwave, broadcast, satellite, broadband,        corporate, global, national, regional, wide area, backbone,        packet-switched TCP/IP, IEEE 802.03, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet,        Token Ring, local area, wide area, IP, public Internet,        intranet, private, ATM, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Wi-Fi, BlueTooth,        Airport, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g,        X-10, electrical power, multi-domain, and/or multi-zone        sub-network and/or protocol, one or more Internet service        providers, and/or one or more information devices, such as a        switch, router, and/or gateway not directly connected to a local        area network, etc., and/or any equivalents thereof.    -   network interface—any device, system, or subsystem capable of        coupling an information device to a network. For example, a        network interface can be a telephone, cellular phone, cellular        modem, telephone data modem, fax modem, wireless transceiver,        Ethernet card, cable modem, digital subscriber line interface,        bridge, hub, router, or other similar device.    -   non—not.    -   object—a physical thing; an item associated with a radio        frequency identification tag; a grouping of data and/or        executable instructions; and/or a discrete graphical item that        can be selected and maneuvered, such as an onscreen graphic.    -   obtain—to receive, get, take possession of, procure, acquire,        calculate, determine, and/or compute.    -   off-axis lighting module—an illumination source from which light        emanates in a direction that is intersects an axis of a camera        associated therewith at an angle of greater than fifteen        degrees.    -   on-axis lighting module—an illumination source from which light        emanates in a direction that is substantially parallel to an        axis of a camera associated therewith.    -   only—substantially without anything further.    -   opposing—opposite; against; being the other of two complementary        or mutually exclusive things; placed or located opposite, in        contrast, in counterbalance, and/or across from something else        and/or from each other.    -   perpendicular—intersecting at or forming substantially right        angles.    -   pistol grip—a device and/or system shape that is characterized        by a comfortably humanly grippable protruding handle and an        operatively attached barrel. The protruding handle defines a        first longitudinal axis and the barrel defines a second        longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis intersects the        second longitudinal axis at an included angle that is greater        than thirty degrees.    -   pivotable—capable of pivoting.    -   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.    -   predetermined—established in advance.    -   processor—a hardware, firmware, and/or software machine and/or        virtual machine comprising a set of machine-readable        instructions adaptable to perform a specific task. A processor        can utilize mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical,        magnetic, optical, informational, chemical, and/or biological        principles, mechanisms, signals, and/or inputs to perform the        task(s). In certain embodiments, a processor can act upon        information by manipulating, analyzing, modifying, and/or        converting it, transmitting the information for use by an        executable procedure and/or an information device, and/or        routing the information to an output device. A processor can        function as a central processing unit, local controller, remote        controller, parallel controller, and/or distributed controller,        etc. Unless stated otherwise, the processor can be a        general-purpose device, such as a microcontroller and/or a        microprocessor, such the Pentium IV series of microprocessor        manufactured by the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. In        certain embodiments, the processor can be dedicated purpose        device, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit        (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that has been        designed to implement in its hardware and/or firmware at least a        part of an embodiment disclosed herein. A processor can reside        on and use the capabilities of a controller.    -   provide—to furnish, supply, give, convey, send, and/or make        available.    -   pull—to draw with force.    -   receive—to gather, take, acquire, obtain, accept, get, and/or        have bestowed upon.    -   red—a color of light having a wavelength range of approximately        625-750 nanometers.    -   relative—considered with reference to and/or in comparison to        something else.    -   regarding—pertaining to.    -   render—to display, annunciate, speak, print, and/or otherwise        make perceptible to a human, for example as data, commands,        text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and/or hyperlinks,        etc., such as via any visual, audio, and/or haptic mechanism,        such as via a display, monitor, printer, electric paper, ocular        implant, cochlear implant, speaker, etc.    -   responsive—reacting to an influence and/or impetus.    -   said—when used in a system or device claim, an article        indicating a subsequent claim term that has been previously        introduced.    -   second—an entity immediately following a first entity in an        ordering.    -   sequential—ordered in time.    -   sequentially—in an ordered consecutive manner.    -   set—a related plurality of predetermined elements; and/or one or        more distinct items and/or entities having a specific common        property or properties.    -   side—a surface bounding a solid object.    -   signal—information, such as machine instructions for activities        and/or one or more letters, words, characters, symbols, signal        flags, visual displays, and/or special sounds, etc. having        prearranged meaning, encoded as automatically detectable        variations in a physical variable, such as a pneumatic,        hydraulic, acoustic, fluidic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic,        optical, chemical, and/or biological variable, such as power,        energy, pressure, flowrate, viscosity, density, torque, impact,        force, voltage, current, resistance, magnetomotive force,        magnetic field intensity, magnetic field flux, magnetic flux        density, reluctance, permeability, index of refraction, optical        wavelength, polarization, reflectance, transmittance, phase        shift, concentration, and/or temperature, etc. Depending on the        context, a signal and/or the information encoded therein can be        synchronous, asynchronous, hard real-time, soft real-time,        non-real time, continuously generated, continuously varying,        analog, discretely generated, discretely varying, quantized,        digital, broadcast, multicast, unicast, transmitted, conveyed,        received, continuously measured, discretely measured, processed,        encoded, encrypted, multiplexed, modulated, spread, de-spread,        demodulated, detected, de-multiplexed, decrypted, and/or        decoded, etc.    -   simultaneously—at substantially the same time.    -   subset—a portion of a set.    -   substantially—to a considerable, large, and/or great, but not        necessarily whole and/or entire, extent and/or degree.    -   surface—the outer boundary of an object or a material layer        constituting or resembling such a boundary.    -   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, data, and/or        instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more        specific functions.    -   transmit—to provide, furnish, supply, send as a signal, and/or        to convey (e.g., force, energy, and/or information) from one        place and/or thing to another.    -   transmitter—an electronic device that generates and radiates a        meaningful signal electronically and/or via electromagnetic        waves.    -   trigger—(n) a device, such as a lever, the pulling or pressing        of which causes a predetermined action to take place; (v) to        initiate. For example, a trigger can be a human activatable        lever and/or button that is adapted to cause the predetermined        action to take place.    -   two dimensional—substantially definable via coordinates relative        to two perpendicular axes.    -   user interface—a device and/or software program for rendering        information to a user and/or requesting information from the        user. A user interface can include at least one of textual,        graphical, audio, video, animation, and/or haptic elements. A        textual element can be provided, for example, by a printer,        monitor, display, projector, etc. A graphical element can be        provided, for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or        visual indication device, such as a light, flag, beacon, etc. An        audio element can be provided, for example, via a speaker,        microphone, and/or other sound generating and/or receiving        device. A video element or animation element can be provided,        for example, via a monitor, display, projector, and/or other        visual device. A haptic element can be provided, for example,        via a very low frequency speaker, vibrator, tactile stimulator,        tactile pad, simulator, keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball,        joystick, gamepad, wheel, touchpad, touch panel, pointing        device, and/or other haptic device, etc. A user interface can        include one or more textual elements such as, for example, one        or more letters, number, symbols, etc. A user interface can        include one or more graphical elements such as, for example, an        image, photograph, drawing, icon, window, title bar, panel,        sheet, tab, drawer, matrix, table, form, calendar, outline view,        frame, dialog box, static text, text box, list, pick list,        pop-up list, pull-down list, menu, tool bar, dock, check box,        radio button, hyperlink, browser, button, control, palette,        preview panel, color wheel, dial, slider, scroll bar, cursor,        status bar, stepper, and/or progress indicator, etc. A textual        and/or graphical element can be used for selecting, programming,        adjusting, changing, specifying, etc. an appearance, background        color, background style, border style, border thickness,        foreground color, font, font style, font size, alignment, line        spacing, indent, maximum data length, validation, query, cursor        type, pointer type, autosizing, position, and/or dimension, etc.        A user interface can include one or more audio elements such as,        for example, a volume control, pitch control, speed control,        voice selector, and/or one or more elements for controlling        audio play, speed, pause, fast forward, reverse, etc. A user        interface can include one or more video elements such as, for        example, elements controlling video play, speed, pause, fast        forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, and/or tilt, etc. A        user interface can include one or more animation elements such        as, for example, elements controlling animation play, pause,        fast forward, reverse, zoom-in, zoom-out, rotate, tilt, color,        intensity, speed, frequency, appearance, etc. A user interface        can include one or more haptic elements such as, for example,        elements utilizing tactile stimulus, force, pressure, vibration,        motion, displacement, temperature, etc.    -   utilize—to use and/or put into service.    -   via—by way of and/or utilizing.    -   wherein—in regard to which; and; and/or in addition to.    -   white—a color of a combination of substantially all and/or a        widely diverse range of numerous colors of light having        wavelengths between approximately 380 to 780 nanometers.    -   wireless—any communication technique that transmits a signal        that does not require the use of a wire and/or guide connecting        a transmitter and a receiver and/or utilizes electromagnetic        waves emitted by an antenna (i.e., via an unguided medium),        including such communication techniques as sonar, radio,        cellular, cellular radio, digital cellular radio, ELF, LF, MF,        HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, EHF, radar, microwave, satellite microwave,        laser, infrared, etc., but excluding purely visual signaling,        such as semaphore, smoke signals, sign language, etc., the        communication technique having a baseband and/or carrier        frequency ranging from about 1 Hz to about 2×1014 Hz (about 200        terahertz), including all values therebetween, such as for        example, about 40 Hz, 6.010 kHz, 8.7 MHz, 4.518 GHz, 30 GHz,        etc. and including all subranges therebetween, such as for        example, from about 100 kHz to about 100 MHz, about 30 MHz to        about 1 GHz, about 3 kHz to about 300 GHz, etc. Wireless        communications can include analog and/or digital data, signals,        and/or transmissions. Wireless communication can be via any of a        plurality of protocols such as, for example, cellular CDMA,        TDMA, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, W-CDMA, CDMA2000, TD-CDMA, 802.11a,        802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1, 802.15.4, 802.16, and/or Bluetooth,        etc.    -   wireless transmitter—a device adapted to transfer a signal from        a source to a destination without the use of wires.        Note

Still other substantially and specifically practical and usefulembodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this artfrom reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detaileddescription and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It shouldbe understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additionalembodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations,modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within thescope of this application.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field,background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of thisapplication, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via anexplicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim,whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claimingpriority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

-   -   there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular        described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or        element, any particular sequence of activities, or any        particular interrelationship of elements;    -   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;    -   any activity can be repeated, performed by multiple entities,        and/or performed in multiple jurisdictions; and    -   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the        sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of        elements can vary.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearlystated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range isdescribed herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includesall values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, suchas for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includesall subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14,1.93 to 9, etc.

Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, UnitedStates patent application, book, article, etc.) that has beenincorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference tothe extent that no conflict exists between such information and theother statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of suchconflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claimherein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting informationin such incorporated by reference material is specifically notincorporated by reference herein.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary,abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than theclaims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and notas restrictive.

1. A system comprising: a pistol grip barcode reader adapted to obtain afirst image of a two dimensional direct part marking barcode, saidbarcode reader comprising a camera, said camera defining a camera axis,said barcode reader comprising an on-axis lighting module that comprisesfirst set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a first emitted color,said on-axis lighting module adapted to direct light on an on-axislighting direction that is approximately collinear with said cameraaxis, said barcode reader comprising an adjustable off-axis lightingmodule that is substantially mirror-less, filter-less, and lens-less,said off-axis lighting module comprising a second set of LEDs having asecond emitted color, said off-axis lighting module adapted to directlight in an off-axis lighting direction that intersects said camera axisat an adjustable angle, said adjustable angle less than approximatelyfifty five degrees, said barcode reader adapted to automatically andsequentially obtain said first image, a second image, and a third imageof said two dimensional direct part marking barcode, said first imageobtained with only said on-axis lighting module illuminated, said secondimage obtained with only said off-axis lighting module illuminated, saidthird image obtained with both said on-axis lighting module and saidoff-axis lighting module illuminated simultaneously.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: an object comprising said two dimensionaldirect part marking barcode.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a processor adapted to decode said first image.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a wireless transceiver adapted totransmit a signal comprising information regarding said first image toan information device.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aninformation device adapted to receive information regarding said firstimage from said barcode reader via a network.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein said first emitted color is substantially red.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said off-axis lighting module comprises a first subsetof LEDs and a second subset of LEDs, said first subset of LEDs directedat a different angle relative to said camera axis from said secondsubset of LEDs, a light controller comprised by said barcode readeradapted to automatically obtain a first off-axis image of said directpart marking barcode with said direct part marking barcode illuminatedby only said first subset of LEDs, said light controller adapted toobtain a second off-axis image of said direct part marking barcode withsaid direct part marking barcode illuminated by only said second subsetof LEDs.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said off-axis lighting modulecomprises a plurality of subsets of LEDs, each subset of said pluralityof subsets of LEDs adapted to direct light energy that intersects saidcamera axis at a distinct angle relative to said camera axis, each saiddistinct angle less than approximately fifty five degrees, a lightcontroller comprised by said barcode reader adapted to automaticallyobtain a set of off-axis images of said direct part marking barcode,each image of said set of off-axis images obtained with said direct partmarking barcode illuminated by only one subset of LEDs of said pluralityof subsets of LEDs.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said secondemitted color is substantially white.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid second emitted color is substantially green.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said barcode reader comprises a trigger on said pistolgrip, said trigger adapted to cause at least said first set of LEDs toilluminate.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said barcode reader isadapted to receive said off-axis lighting module at any of a pluralityof locations.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said barcode reader isadapted to obtain a decodable image at a distance approximately twoinches from said two dimensional direct part marking barcode.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said off-axis lighting module is attached asa part of a body of said camera.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein adistance between said off-axis lighting module and said camera isadjustable.
 16. A device comprising: a trigger-activated pistol gripbarcode reader adapted to obtain a decodable image of a two dimensionaldirect part marking barcode, said barcode reader comprising a camera,said camera defining a camera axis, said barcode reader comprising anon-axis lighting module that comprises first set of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) having a first emitted color, said on-axis lighting moduleadapted to direct light on an on-axis lighting direction that isapproximately collinear with said camera axis, said barcode readercomprising an off-axis lighting module that is substantiallymirror-less, filter-less, and lens-less, said off-axis lighting modulecomprising a second set of LEDs having a second emitted color, saidoff-axis lighting module adapted to direct light in a single off-axislighting direction that intersects said camera axis at an adjustableangle, said adjustable angle less than approximately fifty five degrees,said barcode reader adapted to obtain a decodable image at a distancebetween approximately one inch and approximately four inches from saidtwo dimensional direct part marking barcode, responsive to a pull ofsaid trigger, said barcode reader adapted to automatically andsequentially obtain a first image, a second image, and a third image ofsaid two dimensional direct part marking barcode, said first imageobtained with only said on-axis lighting module illuminated, said secondimage obtained with only said off-axis lighting module illuminated, saidthird image obtained with both said on-axis lighting module and saidoff-axis lighting module illuminated simultaneously.
 17. A systemcomprising: a circuit adapted to, at a trigger-activated barcode reader,automatically and sequentially obtain a first image, a second image, anda third image of a two dimensional direct part marking barcode, saidfirst image obtained with only an on-axis lighting module illuminated,said second image obtained with only an off-axis lighting moduleilluminated, said third image obtained with both said on-axis lightingmodule and said off-axis lighting module illuminated simultaneously,said barcode reader adapted to determine, based upon a comparison ofsaid first image, said second image, and said third image, which of saidfirst image, said second image, and said third image is decoded first inan attempt to determine a decodable image of said two dimensional directpart marking barcode, said barcode reader comprising a camera, saidcamera defining a camera axis, said barcode reader comprising saidon-axis lighting module that comprises first set of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) having a first emitted color, said on-axis lighting moduleadapted to direct light on an on-axis lighting direction that isapproximately collinear with said camera axis, said barcode readercomprising said off-axis lighting module that is substantiallymirror-less, filter-less, and lens-less, said off-axis lighting modulecomprising a second set of LEDs having a second emitted color, saidoff-axis lighting module comprises a plurality of subsets of LEDs, eachsubset of said plurality of subsets of LEDs adapted to direct lightenergy that intersects said camera axis at a distinct angle relative tosaid camera axis, each said distinct angle less than approximately fiftyfive degrees, said barcode reader adapted to obtain said decodable imageat a distance between approximately one inch and approximately fourinches from said two dimensional direct part marking barcode.